MIRAGE SYSTEMS G4 User manual

MIRAGE SYSTEMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
Introduction !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
User Warning !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#
Packing Instructions for Ram Air Reserve with Freebag !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$
Assembly of RSL (optional)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"%
Assembly of Optional “Fancypants” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"&
Assembly of Lumbar Support !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"'
Assembly of the $(Ring System !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!")
Assembly of Centerline Collapsible Pilot Chute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!##
Assembly of Standard Pilot Chute !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#%
Packing Instructions for Main Container!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#*
Proper Routing of Main Pilot Chute Bridle !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#)
Packing Instructions for Main Pilot Chute !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$+
User Instructions !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$"
Replacement Parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$$
Maintaining Your Mirage !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$,
Notes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$&

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a Mirage harness/container system!
The Mirage is the finest harness/container system available anywhere"
and with proper care and use it will last for many years!It is the purpose of this
manual to provide you with the information necessary to enable you to care for and use your
Mirage properly!It is our hope you will enjoy your Mirage as much as we enjoyed
building it for you!Should any aspect of the information contained in this manual be
unclear to you"or should you have questions or concerns about your Mirage which are
not addressed by this manual"you are encouraged to contact Mirage Systems Inc!
at the address below or on the back cover of this manual prior to jumping the Mirage!
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize the Mirage owner
with the function and packing procedures of the Mirage system!It is not
a substitute for a course of instruction"nor does it release the user from responsibility
for the use and maintenance of the system!Although packing instructions are included for
the reserve parachute"note that this operation is governed by applicable laws"and
may not be legally conducted by anyone other than a certificated rigger!
Mirage Systems Inc!is not responsible for use of the Mirage with any parts not
specifically supplied by Mirage Systems Inc!for your Mirage"nor for the use of the
Mirage with any other canopies than those specifically mentioned as compatible on
the system information panel inside the main pack tray!If there are any
questions about equipment compatibility"please contact Mirage Systems Inc!
Mirage Systems Inc!
P!O!Box #$%
DeLand"FL &$'$()%#$%
info@miragesys!com
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

MIRAGE SYSTEMS
2
WARNING
SSkkyyddiivviinngg iiss aa hhaazzaarrddoouuss aaccttiivviittyy tthhaatt ccaann rreessuulltt iinn iinnjjuurryy oorr ddeeaatthh!!
Parachutes sometimes malfunction even though they are properly designed"built"assembled"
packed"maintained and used!The results of such malfunctions are sometimes serious injury or death!
If you use your Mirage"or allow someone else to use it"you are acknowledging sport parachuting’s risks
and accepting the fact that the Mirage and/or its components may malfunction!
If you are not willing to accept the risks of sport parachuting"or if you are not willing to accept
the possibility that your Mirage or its components may malfunction and perhaps cause you to be
injured or killed"then you should reconsider your involvement in sport parachuting!
Training and/or experience are required to lower the risk of serious bodily injury or death!
Never use the Mirage unless you have read and understand this warning"and
A!you have completed a “Controlled Program of Instruction” in the use of this equipment or
B!you have read and understand all appropriate flight manuals and packing instructions!
To lower the risk of death"serious bodily injury"canopy damage"container damage and
hard openings"never exceed #$% kts!deployment speed!
Low Speed
Parachute
Limited to use from
Airplane under 150 mph

MIRAGE SYSTEMS 3
Installing the Cypres processing unit
(Also see the Cypres installation manual)
For installation!the processing unit is placed into a
specially bolstered and labeled nylon pocket which is
pre"installed in every Mirage reserve container#
Excess cable is stowed in the flat part of the pocket
underneath the velcro"adjustable flap#If you have to
stow both the thinner EOS cable and the thicker cable
to the control unit!be sure to place the thicker cable so
that it lies on top of the thinner one#[Fig#$]
Installing
the EOS and Cypres Control Unit
Feed the EOS and control unit through the opening
and up the built in channel in the reserve pack tray#
The EOS cable is routed through the small slit on the
%& closing flap and into the Cypres channel#Secure the
EOS using the elastic keeper#Insert the control unit
into the control unit transparent pouch in the backpad#
[Fig#']
TOOL
LIST
&# Complete Mirage packing data card
$# Lead seal!press!and thread
'# Cypres loop!washer!and silicone
(# Long pull up cord
)# Temporary pin
*# Temporary pile velcro tabs
+# Leverage Bar or Packing Paddle [Fig#&]
Helpful Hint: Count and keep track of your tools!
Packing the Reserve Container
Fig#&
Fig#$
Fig#'

4
Packing the Reserve Container
Attach the square reserve to the container system!
Attach the steering toggles and set the deployment
brake length according to canopy manufacturers
instructions![Fig!"]
Stow excess reserve canopy steering line in velcro keep#
er!Mate toggle to velcro on reserve riser!Repeat on
opposite riser![Fig!$& %]
Attach temporary pile velcro tabs to the hook side of
velcro on the line stow pocket of reserve freebag!
[Fig!&]
WARNING: Be careful: hook velcro may damage sus#
pension lines!
Thread looped end of bridle through pilot chute loops'
then pass freebag through looped end of bridle to form
a larks head knot!Center bridle on pilot chute loops and
cinch very
tight![Fig!(]
Fig!"
Fig!$
Fig!%
Fig!&
Fig!(
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

5
The first fold places the slider grommet on the edge of
the canopy![Fig!""]
Helpful Hint: This fold is usually #$% inches&depending
on the canopy size!
Packing the Reserve Container
Fold canopy in accordance with canopy manufacturers
instructions!Mirage Systems recommends the P!R!O!
pack style!After flaking and laying the canopy down&
ensure that all suspension lines are placed into the cen$
ter of the canopy!Centering the suspension lines
improves deployment!All suspension lines should be
centered the entire length of the cocoon![Fig!']
Cocoon the canopy to the width of the reserve freebag
mouth lock!Canopies cocooned wider may increase
bulk![Fig!"(]
Fig!'
Fig!"(
Fig!""
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

6
Packing the Reserve Container
The second S fold is placed over the first fold!This
begins to create the desired wedge shape of the reserve
container![Fig!"#]
Helpful Hint: The second fold should be $%& inches
overall!The majority of the bulk should be towards the
bottom of the reserve container!
Pull remaining center cell back creating the MOLAR
shape [Fig!"']
Helpful Hint: Rolling what is left of the center cell back(
along with distributing this fabric left and right makes a
good MOLAR shape!
Unlike the G'( the G$requires thick MOLAR “ears” in
order to fill the top of the reserve container(which is
thicker than that of the G'! This may be accomplished
by folding the long MOLAR ears under!The normal
range is )%* inches![Fig!"$]
Fig!"#
Fig!"'
Fig!"$
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

7
Insert all but !inches ("# cm) of the remaining lines
into the line stow pocket in a S fold manner$starting at
the very bottom of the pocket after stowing the lines%
[Fig%"&]
Helpful Hint: Remember to remove the pile velcro tabs
and mate the velcro in the pocket%Make sure not to trap
any lines in between the velcro halves%To reduce line
bulk$distribute the lines evenly throughout the line
pocket%
Reach inside mouth lock with hands and separate reserve
fabric to make room for Cypres%
Packing the Reserve Container
Place canopy onto the freebag%
After placing canopy on the bag work one side at a
time into the freebag%[Fig%"']
Important:
Fill the top of the bag as full as possible%
This is critical to the apearance f te packjob
Close the freebag mouth lock using the safety stow%
[Fig%"(]
Helpful Hint: Microline lock stows should be )inches
('cm)$Dacron line lock stows may require up to *inch+
es (,cm)%
Fig%"'
Fig%"(
Fig%"&
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
TOP

8
Packing the Reserve Container
Thread pull up cord through closing loop and tie off
with bowline knot about !inches up"[Fig"#$]
Helpful Hint: Treat pull up cord and top #/%inch of
the closing loop with Airtec approved silicone"Airtec
recommends the use of silicone to protect the Cypres
loop"It also helps with reserve pin insertion"
Here is a suggested reserve closing loop length chart"
Prestretched loops are measured from the washer to
the end of the closing loop"[Fig"#&]
IMPORTANT: Reserve ripcord pull force must remain
under %% lbs"
Helpful Hint: A label in the main packing tray lists the
canopies that are compatible with the container"Also
included are more recommendations on closing loop
length"
Place the reserve freebag into the reserve pack tray and
align risers"Then thread pull up cord through the free'
bag"[Fig"%(]
Helpful Hint: Ensure that the reserve risers are correct'
ly routed and pushed all the way into the container"
Fig"#&
Fig"#$
Fig"%(
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
Reserve Closing Loop
Canopy Size Loop Length
PD'##) )"*+” ,/'#/-”
PD'#%! -"((” ,/'#/-”
PD'#-) -"%+” ,/'#/-”
PD'#!( -"+(” ,/'#/-”
PD'#*! -"*+” ,/'#/-”
PD'#$) +"%+” ,/'#/-”
PD'%#& !"((” ,/'#/-”
PD'%+) !"((” ,/'#/-”

9
Packing the Reserve Container
Thread closing loop and pull up cord through Cypres
cutter and !" closing flap#Use temporary pin to pin
closing loop in place#At this point$no more than "/%”
to &/'” of loop should be able to be pulled up with max(
imum effort#[Fig#%&]
Helpful Hint: Placing your foot on the !" closing flap
while pulling up on the !' and !) side flaps$work the
canopy into the corners and away from the closing loop#
This is important for bulk distribution and proper pilot
chute seating and should be repeated often#Main riser
covers may be used after reserve side flaps are closed#
Push freebag into the reserve container$filling the cor(
ners#[Fig#%"]
Helpful Hint: This is a good time to reach around the
back and work the Cypres into the canopy$and work
the canopy around the Cypres#
Starting at bridle line attachment point on freebag$fold
bridle in a “V” shape as shown in Fig#%%# While folding$
remove any twists in the bridle#Fold all but &(' ft of
the bridle under the !" closing flap#
Fig#%"
Fig#%%
Fig#%&
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

10
Packing the Reserve Container
Distribute the remaining !"# ft of bridle on top of the
$% closing flap&[Fig&'#]
Thread pull up cord through the spring pilot chute&
Center the pilot chute base over the $% closing flap
grommet&[Fig&'(]
While keeping all pilot chute fabric out of the spring)
compress the pilot chute&[Fig&'*]
Helpful Hint: Holding the pull up cord in your mouth
will help control the spring&The pull up cord helps guide
the pilot chute while you compress it with your hands&
Fig&'#
Fig&'(
Fig&'*
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

11
Packing the Reserve Container
Using a leverage bar with the pull up cord for leverage!
pull the closing loop up through the "# pilot chute cap$
Pin using the temporary closing pin$[Fig$#%]
Remember!there is no "# flap!the reserve pilot chute
is "# in the closing sequence$
IMPORTANT: There should not be pilot chute fabric
inside of the compressed coils of the spring$
Helpful Hint: If an actual leverage bar is not available!a
wrench or packing paddle can be used$
After pilot chute is pinned!force the pilot chute down
into the reserve freebag$[Fig$#&]
Helpful Hint: Placing your foot on the "# reserve pilot
chute while pulling up on the "' and "( side flaps!
work the canopy into the corners and away from the
closing loop$This is important for bulk distribution and
proper pilot chute seating and should be repeated
often$Main riser covers may be used after reserve side
flaps are closed$
Accordion fold both top and bottom halves of the pilot
chute canopy as shown!making one long tube$Thread
pull up cord through flap ") [Fig$#*]
Fig$#%
Fig$#&
Fig$#*
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

12
Packing the Reserve Container
Fold reserve canopy fabric around the back and under
flap !" as shown#Draw !" closing flap to !$ reserve
pilot chute#Remove and replace temporary pin#
[Fig#"%]
Helpful Hint: Remember to remove the temporary pin
once the grommets are touching#With adequate
pressure to contain the pilot chute&the temporary pin
can be removed and repositioned to the !" closing flap#
Once !" flap is pinned&force the pilot chute down into
the freebag#Ensure that the reserve pilot chute coils
are all in line#[Fig#"']
Helpful Hint: Placing your foot on the !" closing flap
while pulling up on the !( and !) side flaps works the
canopy into the corners and away from the closing
loop#This is important for bulk distribution and proper
pilot chute seating and should be repeated often#Main
riser covers may be used after reserve side flaps are
closed#
Fig#"%
Fig#"'
Thread the pull up cord through both !( and !) closing
flaps#While using the leverage bar draw !( and !)
grommets towards the center#Do not remove tempo*
rary pin yet#[Fig#"$]
Important: Do not force grommets into center#Work
gradually using the helpful hint technique
Helpful Hint: While pulling both side flaps toward the
center&firmly slap the !) reserve side wall seam#This
method will gradually move the grommet closer to the
center without damaging the container#Working both
side flaps together will also help keep the reserve
container symmetrical#
Fig#"$
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
#5

13
Packing the Reserve Container
Once the !" and !# side flap grommets are drawn towards
the center over the closing loop$unthread the !# flap%Keep
pressure on the !" flap and once again reposition the tempo&
rary pin onto the !" closing flap%After closing flap !"$ close
flap !#% Remove and reposition the temporary pin%[Fig%'']
Note: At this point$very little loop should be able to be
pulled up with maximum effort%
If you are installing an RSL$see the RSL assembly section in
this manual at this time%
Check to ensure that the !( flap passes under the Type "
retaining strap on the reserve pin cover flap before proceeding%
Stow the yoke assembly side tucktabs%
While pulling the closing loop up through the !( clos&
ing flap remove the temporary pin%Pin the closing loop
with the reserve ripcord pin%[Fig%'#]
Helpful Hint: If you are having difficulty getting the
reserve ripcord pin through the closing loop$re&tempo&
rary pin flap !#$ then work the container more%Waiting
)#* minutes and repeating past helpful hints will make
inserting the reserve ripcord pin easier on the second
try%
Fig%''
Fig%'"
Fig%'#
Once !# flap is pinned$work the pilot chute down into
the freebag%Thread the pull up cord through the !(
closing flap%[Fig%'"]
Helpful Hint: Placing your foot on the !" and !# clos&
ing flaps while pulling up on the main riser covers$
works the canopy into the corners and away from the
closing loop%These repeated procedures will help make
the reserve pin cover have a smoother$flatter look%Any
bowing could allow air to untuck the flap$exposing the
reserve pin%
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

14
Packing the Reserve Container
Before sealing the container!count and inspect ALL
tools that were used"[See Fig"#]
Seal reserve pin with $lb seal thread"[Fig"%&]
Refer to Poynters Manual for additional information on
sealing reserve"
IMPORTANT: Do not forget to replace the completed
packing data card in the proper pocket!inside the right
front shoulder pad"
Close the reserve pin cover using all three tuck tabs"
[Fig"%']
Fig"%&
Fig"%'
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

15
The RSL System
The R eserve Static Line System (RSL) is optional equipment on the Mirage ha rness/container!If it is
not installed on your Mirage"you do not need to read this section!If you would like to have the RSL
installed on your Mirage"you may contact Mirage Systems at the address on the back of this man
ual!
To properly use a system equipped with an RSL"you must be familiar with its asse
mbly"operation and
function!You must also receive training from competent instructors prior to using such a system!It is
not the intention of this manual to provide such training!
FUNCTION
The RSL system consists of a lanyard between the left main riser and the reserve ripcord!It is designed
to use the mechanical force of the released main risers after a cutaway to pull the reserve ripcord pin!
It is not guaranteed to function properly and should not be relied on to activate your reserve!
OPERATION
The RSL is essentially a passive system!A release lanyard is provided to disconnect the system!
Use and
operation of the system should be explained by competent instructors!
Mate #/$” hook Velcro on the RSL lanyard to the %” pile
Velcro on the back of the left rear reserve riser![Fig!%]
Mate %/&” x %%/&” hook and pile Velcro on the RSL lan'
yard"forming a fold![Fig!&]
Assembly of the RSL
Fig!%
Fig!&
MIRAGE SYSTEMS

16
Assembly of the RSL
After closing flap !"# neatly tuck the excess lanyard
under the reserve riser$[Fig$"]
Attach the snap shackle to the main riser RSL ring and
inspect routing$The RSL shackle must not interfere
with the operation of the %&Ring System$[Fig$']
Insert excess RSL lanyard fold into the space behind
the ring cover below the left main harness ring$[Fig$%]
Fig$%
Fig$'
Fig$(
Fig$"
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
Prior to closing flap !"# thread reserve ripcord through
the RSL rings with the ring on the RSL lanyard
between the housing keeper and the RSL retainer ring$
[Fig$(]#
IMPORTANT: Proper configuration of the reserve
ripcord through the RSL rings is critical to the proper
function of the RSL system!

17
Optional “Fancypants”
Fig!"
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
Thread elastic through RIGHT legstrap first#leaving no
extra webbing past the buckle![Fig!"]
Pass elastic through buckle on center bottom of rig!
[Fig!$]
Thread elastic through LEFT legstrap buckle#then stow
excess inside left legpad![Fig!%]
Fig!$
Fig!%

18
Lumbar Support
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
Elastic lumber suport is threaded as shown!start"
ing with the buckle on the right of the bottom
backpad channel#[Fig#$]
To adjust!snug or loosen at the buckle#[Fig#%]
When adjusted!tuck buckle and excess strap into
channel#[Fig#&]
Fig#$
Fig#%
Fig#&